Latest news with #Brno
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Brno Startups Leverage AI, Computer Vision, To Punch Above Their Weight
Brno, a mid-sized Czech city best known for its universities and research institutes, is becoming one of Europe's most dynamic tech ecosystems. Fueled by the regional innovation agency JIC led by director Petr Chládek, the startup incubator was founded over two decades ago by a consortium of municipalities and universities. A biologist and geographer by training, Chládek, has been the director of the JIC since 2017, told me in an interview that 'With the right balance of government support, academic excellence, and private investment, we're helping scale world-class tech companies.' Backed by strong academic partnerships, startups from Brno and the Czechia have global markets in their sights. Last week, I was able to see the results of JIC's efforts to boost local companies into the international ecosystem where they can form international partnerships within the EU, the US, and Asia. Their one-day Start-up Money conference on May 29th sought to bring together the region's leading startups with venture capital focused on early stage technology companies. Like counterpart conferences in the US, AI was in the air. VisionCraft now applies computer vision to physical rehabilitation. CEO David Tuč told me the goal is to introduce accountability and feedback into home physical therapy exercise, which many patients simply do not do. VisionCraft's new VisioTherapy platform uses motion tracking to deliver real-time feedback during at-home physical therapy sessions, which is shared with clinicians. They're raising funds to expand into the U.S. and Middle East. Lucas Loun, founder and CEO of Maia Labs Forbes Chechia Maia Labs was recently named Europe's Best HealthTech Startup for inventing ColoMaia, which adds computer vision to colonoscopy procedures, boosting cancer detection dramatically, by catching what a clinician can miss in real time. ColoMaia demonstrated a 43% increase in polyp detection rates during colonoscopies and, as further user incentives, reduces physicians' post-proceedure reporting time by 50%, Maia is already running pilots across Central and Eastern Europe, and just announced a trial with the Mayo Clinic in the US. Get Moments is an app that turns fan-shot videos from live events into personalized, shareable highlight reels using AI. Their AI editing engine automatically curates and assembles footage into branded videos in minutes. The platform has been tested at major events like the Sziget Festival, where attendees submitted over 30,000 videos, and at a Ben Cristovao concert, resulting in nearly 2,000 unique videos with a 48% share rate. Get Moments raised €500,000 from Purple Ventures in September. to enhance its AI-powered platform that transforms fan-generated content into personalized event highlight reels. While there is no way to know if it can scale into thousands of live events, not just music, but sports and wherever a crowd gathers. Motion capture. Kapnetix Kapnetix automates post-processing for motion capture in game development and visual effects. Kapnetix originated from a 2021 proof-of-concept project with 2K Games, leading to the development of AI tools that automate motion capture cleanup, significantly reducing production time for animators. Its tools reduce cleanup time from hours to minutes, allowing smaller studios to compete with AAA production quality while helping large productions stay on schedule and under budget. The company's AI solutions have attracted attention from major animation studios worldwide, including Disney Zaira, is a Brno-based space-tech startup which uses onboard, local AI to process satellite imagery in real time, rather than downloading scads of data from space. The startup has partnered with organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and participates in Biomission 19 on the International Space Station and other commercial and defence missions. By filtering out irrelevant data like cloud cover before transmission, Zaira cuts communication costs by up to 98 percent. Zaitra just raised €1.7 million to expand into the US. Vrgineers, maker of the XTAL mixed-reality headset, just announced it's expanding its relationship with Lockheed Martin. Their systems combine high-end graphics with AI-enhanced realism, delivering cockpit experiences that rival actual flight. Several years ago, I tried their 4K/eye headset and it's dizzying to experience. I 'sat' in a virtual BMW and for a moment I couldn't get out because the virtual door did not open. VRfineers' Mixed Reality training systems are employed by the U.S. Air Force, NASA, and Airbus Defense. Over the past four years, $340 million in venture funding has flowed into Brno-region startups leading to $2.5 billion in VC exits. For investors, technologists, and founders alike, the message is clear: Brno is a rising force on Europe's tech map.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
This Week in Golf: U.S. Open at Oakmont and top tournaments around the world
The next seven days promise drama, dreams, and the roar of the crowds as golf's global spotlight turns toward one of the game's greatest stages. Whether you're a major-hunting fanatic, a fan of rising stars, or just looking for feel-good fairway stories, this week in golf has something for everyone. Here's what to look forward to on courses around the world. Golf's toughest test returns in grand fashion From June 12–15, the eyes of the sporting world lock on to Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, host of the 125th U.S. Open Championship. Known for its slick greens, punishing rough, and no-nonsense setup, Oakmont has long been a crucible for greatness. Expect thrills and heroics as the world's top golfers chase immortality in one of the sport's four majors. The likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and a hungry field of challengers will battle nerves and nature in pursuit of the U.S. Open trophy, one of the most iconic trophies crafted by Tiffany & Co., the renowned American luxury jeweller, who is also one of the world's most prestigious trophy makers since 1837. The original U.S. Open trophy was first awarded in 1895. It's not just a tournament - it's golf at its punishing best. Europe's Stage: The Kaskada Golf Challenge Across the Atlantic, the Czech Republic hosts the Kaskáda Golf Challenge - a proving ground for the stars of tomorrow. This Challenge Tour event tees off at the scenic Kaskáda Golf Resort in Brno, starting June 15. For Europe's next generation of pros, this is more than a paycheck - it's a stepping stone to the DP World Tour and beyond. While the U.S. Open grabs headlines, the Kaskáda Challenge reminds us that every great player starts somewhere. Women's Schedule Meanwhile, the Women's game features two tournaments but one purpose. The stars of the LPGA Tour roll into Blythefield Country Club, where power meets precision in this fan-favorite event. Past editions have featured stacked leaderboards and final-round fireworks — and this year promises the same. More than a tournament, the Meijer LPGA Classic supports the Simply Give campaign to feed local families in need - proof that golf can uplift both on and off the course. Also lighting up the leaderboard this week is the Ladies European Tour, as it heads to Belgium for the Hulencourt Women's Open. It's a golden opportunity for rising stars and LET regulars to grab some momentum as the season heats up. From Pennsylvania to Prague, Michigan to Belgium, the week ahead showcases golf's diverse global spirit. At the pinnacle sits the U.S. Open — where history waits to be made. But just beneath, the rhythm of professional golf continues to pulse through every tee time, every putt, and every dreamer stepping onto the first tee. So grab your coffee (or your clubs), clear your schedule, and tune in. This week in golf promises magic. Worldwide Tournaments 2025 U.S. Open Kaskáda Golf Challenge Dates: June 15–18, 2025 Location: Kaskáda Golf Resort, Brno, Czech Republic Prize money: €270,000 Part of the Challenge Tour, the European developmental circuit LPGA Tour Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Dates: June 12–15, 2025 Location: Blythefield Country Club, Belmont, Michigan, USA Prize fund: USD 3 million Ladies European Tour Hulencourt Women's Open Dates: June 12–15, 2025 Location: Hulencourt (Belgium) Prize fund: €300,000
The Independent
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
A Czech deal to build nuclear reactors worth $18 billion is unblocked after a court clears the way
A deal to build at least two nuclear reactors in Czechia was unblocked Wednesday, after an appeals court dismissed on Wednesday a lower court ruling that blocked the government from signing a deal with South Korea's KHNP power utility. The Supreme Administrative Court said that the ruling was not in line with law, meaning the signing of the deal could go ahead. KHNP won a lucrative public tender last year, beating a competing bid by France's EDF. The two new reactors will be built at the existing Dukovany power plant in an effort for the country to wean itself off fossil fuels. The contract between the dominant power company CEZ, where the Czech state has a majority stake, and KHNP was due to be signed on May 7 but EDF lodged a legal challenge at the regional court in the second-largest Czech city of Brno after the Czech anti-monopoly office dismissed its complaint about the tender. The regional court said on May 6 that the deal could not be signed before it rules on the EDF case, because then there would be no way to change it even if the French company won. CEZ and KHNP challenged that. The two new reactors will complement Dukovany's four 510-megawatt units that were completed in the 1980s. The total cost is estimated to be over over 400 billion koruna ($18 billion). The first new reactor is expected to become operational for a trial by 2036, the second about two years later.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EDF complaint blocks Czech-Korean nuclear deal
A Czech court said Tuesday it blocked a multi-billion-dollar deal between Prague and South Korea's KHNP on the construction of two nuclear units following a complaint by France's EDF. KHNP won the contract last July after beating EDF in the tender, but the French giant filed an appeal with the Czech antitrust watchdog UOHS. When the UOHS rejected the appeal last week, EDF filed a lawsuit. The regional court in the second Czech city of Brno said it had "issued a pre-emptive ruling banning the signature" originally scheduled for Wednesday. It added that if the deal were signed, EDF would lose a chance to compete for the contract for good even if the court ruled in its favour later on. The deal cannot be signed until the court passes a verdict on the case. KHNP is due to build the two units at the southern Czech nuclear plant of Dukovany run by the state-run CEZ group. The Czech Republic, an EU member of 10.9 million people, relies on nuclear power -- produced by Dukovany and the Temelin plant also in the south -- for 40 percent of its electricity consumption. With the two new units and small modular reactors due to be built by 2050, the share of nuclear energy is expected to rise to 50 percent as the country shifts from burning fossil fuels. EDF hailed the postponement, saying it "provides the necessary time for a thorough assessment of any potential infringement of its rights". It also told AFP it was ready for "all legal actions". EDF said earlier its appeal was designed to make sure the selection process was fair and transparent. It also insists it can offer 60 percent of the value of the contract to Czech companies, while the share offered by KHNP is lower. The Czech news agency CTK quoted KHNP as saying it acknowledged the postponement but was sure the tender was correct, and that it was ready to go to court too. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after the tender that KHNP's bid was "better in all criteria assessed". CEZ insisted on Tuesday that the tender was "fully transparent in all phases" and called on EDF to make its bid public to "rule out any doubt" that KHNP's bid was better. The UOHS also earlier rejected an appeal by US-based Westinghouse, eliminated from the tender in January 2024 over flaws in its bid. KHNP has offered to build the two new units for around 200 billion Czech koruna ($9 billion) each. Prague expected to finalise the deal with KHNP by March this year, but the EDF appeal delayed the process. CEZ expects construction to begin in 2029 and the first new reactor launched in trial operation in 2036. frj/jza/lth
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
A Czech court blocks the signing of a deal with South Korea's KHNP to build 2 nuclear reactors
Four of the cooling towers of the Dukovany nuclear power plant rise high above the natural surroundings of Dukovany, Czech Republic, Sept. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File) Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] PRAGUE (AP) — A court in the Czech Republic blocked on Tuesday the government from signing a deal with South Korea's KHNP to build at least two nuclear reactors in country. KHNP won a lucrative public tender last year, beating a competing bid by France's EDF. The two new reactors will be built at the existing Dukovany power plant in an effort for the country to wean itself off fossil fuels. The contract between the dominant power company CEZ, where the Czech state has a majority stake, and the South Korean company was scheduled for Wednesday. EDF challenged the signing of the deal at the regional court in the second largest Czech city of Brno on Friday after the Czech anti-monopoly office dismissed its complaint about the tender. The court said that the deal could not be signed before it rules on the EDF case, because then there would be no way to change it even if the French company won. It is not clear when that might happen. Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he believed the tender was 'correct and in line with law.' CEZ said the Korean bid was the better one, and the tender was transparent and fair. EDF had no immediate comment. The two new reactors will complement Dukovany's four 510-megawatt units that were completed in the 1980s. The government estimated they would each cost about 200 billion koruna ($9.1 billion). The first new reactor is expected to become operational for a trial by 2036, the second about two years later. The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.
